Thieves make off with holiday decorations

A woman was in tears as she talked about the thieves who targeted her. They took thousands of dollars worth of decorations from her store just days before Christmas. The display has been enjoyed by people in Humble for almost two decades.

Along FM 1960 near Moonshine Hill in northeast Houston, nothing gets people in the holiday spirit more than the festive display of Christmas decorations that usually line the fence outside a local business that specializes in custom wrought iron.

"Every year, we love driving by on 1960 to see all her work of her beautiful Christmas lights and enjoy it," said customer Cindi Day. "She does so much."

And she's done so for the past 18 years. It's hard to believe all that's left now are the extension cords. Sunday evening, a thief took off with entire display, at least 30 large pieces.

A surveillance camera captured only the getaway vehicle as it took off.

"It's very disappointing to see people taking advantage of hard working people like us," said business owner Susan Gatewood.

Valued at nearly $4,000, Gatewood admits the loss has been hard on her and her customers.

"She's my friend," said Day.

While support from customers has been tremendous, the crime itself has marked the end of a longstanding tradition. Gatewood says she can't risk losing it all again.

"Everybody, happy holidays and cheer up," she said.

The quality of the surveillance video isn't very good and didn't capture a picture of the thief's face, so catching the culprit will be difficult.